Monsoon Birding @ Kerala and Maharashtra - Jul 2024

Monsoon birding in Thattekad, Munnar, Saswad, and Karnala offers a captivating experience for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers, as rain brings these regions to life with vibrant flora and unique avian species. It is a crown in the Western Ghats.

In Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in Kerala, the lush rain-soaked forests attract numerous birds, including the Malabar trogon, Sri Lanka frogmouth, Sri Lanka Bay Owl and various woodpeckers. The rainy season provides optimal conditions for spotting these endemic and migratory species.Moving to Munnar, also in Kerala, the montane grasslands and shola forests transform into a birdwatcher's paradise, with sightings of the Nilgiri flycatcher, White-bellied Sholakili, Black-and-orange flycatcher, and the elusive Nilgiri pipit.

In Saswad, Maharashtra, open grasslands and scrublands attract colorful raptors, harriers, and passerines, making it an ideal spot for monsoon birding enthusiasts seeking diversity.

Finally, Karnala Bird Sanctuary near Mumbai, with its rich biodiversity, hosts species like the paradise flycatcher, Indian pitta, and golden oriole, offering an accessible monsoon birding experience for city dwellers. The vibrant greenery and diverse birdlife across these locations make monsoon birding a must-try adventure, esp the sightings of Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher (OKDF) and the Blue-eared Kingfisher (BEKF).

Gears used: Nikon Z9 + 500mm f/5.6 prime mounted with F2Zs adapater

Kerala: Guide was Danish
Karnala: Was organized by AvianTrips / Dilip Gupta